Associate Vice President, Capital Projects - Princeton University

Reporting to the Vice President for Facilities, the Associate Vice President, Capital Projects (AVP) will be responsible for managing the University’s capital projects from project inception and design phases through commissioning and closeout. As Princeton embarks on a major new multi-year capital program, the AVP will establish a strategic and integrated approach to developing the University’s on- and off-campus space and facilities– academic, administrative, and student-life related – and will thereby strengthen its management of the extraordinary physical resources it leverages to advance the academic mission.

The AVP will lead the development of best-in-class capital projects delivery by designing and managing efficient, effective, collaborative, and transparent processes to align internal and external project participants and by leading a high-performing professional staff of architects, engineers, project managers, and support staff.  The AVP leads a staff of approximately 80 professionals with a wide range of relevant skills.

This search is being managed by Helbling & Associates. All nominations, inquiries, and applications can be directed to Jim Lord, Managing Director, JimL@helblingsearch.com or Matt Lesher, Senior Associate, mattl@helblingsearch.com. Electronic submission of credentials is strongly encouraged.

Project Management Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction to the Office of Capital Projects, ensuring that the combined professional expertise of the staff delivers innovative stewardship of University assets, maximizes cooperation among project stakeholders, design teams, builders, and developers from the inception of all capital construction and renovation projects through the programing phase to construction completion and turnover to building occupants, and delivers value to the University in its capital investments.
• Working in conjunction and collaboration with the University Architect and balancing design, budget, and schedule considerations, the AVP is the functional lead for all capital project management and all campus development activities. The AVP works collaboratively with the University Architect and the Director of Sustainability to ensure that planning and design standards continue to sustain the campus’ aesthetic features while promoting its efficient use and enhancing its sustainability, and works closely with Engineering, Utilities, and Operations groups to develop designs that facilitate efficient stewardship of new space.

Budget/Resource Management

• The AVP will play a lead role in the planning and execution of large-scale projects for the University.  Additionally, the AVP supervises and participates in the development of RFPs, contracts, proposals for goods and services, and the management of service providers and vendors.

Strategic Iniatives

• The AVP will play a leadership role in the development of best-in-class capital projects delivery by designing and managing efficient, effective, collaborative and transparent processes to align internal and external project participants and by leading a high performing professional staff of architects, engineers, project managers, and support staff.
• Serving an institutional resource for capital project delivery, the AVP will collaborate with senior academic and administrative leadership to support Princeton’s mission and will cultivate and sustain cooperative working relationships with local, county, state, and federal agencies.
• Experience with Capital Project Management Software (CPMS) tools for managing project workflows, documentation, and reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage technology to drive efficiency and innovation in capital project management.
• Demonstrated experience in managing organizational change, including the successful implementation and adoption of new processes, systems, and technologies to improve overall efficiency and performance.

Strategic Organizational Effectiveness

• Develop a “center of excellence” approach to project management that, by sharing expertise, methods, tools, and resources, will enhance the capabilities of other Princeton units that may continue to deliver some of their own projects.
• Enhance the collaboration with the Office of the University Architect in strengthening the early stages of the project life cycle, notably in activities such as design development and the selection of architects and engineers.
• Lead appropriate innovation in project-delivery models such as integrated project delivery so as to ensure that Princeton is always advancing projects optimally.
• Contribute as a member of the senior leadership team of Facilities to its ongoing excellence in stewardship, professionalism, and collaboration.

Committee Support

• The AVP will support the Vice President of Facilities in his role as secretary to the Board of Trustees Committee on Grounds and Buildings and in his work with the Facilities Planning Group; chaired by the Provost, this committee reviews capital projects and advances approved projects for consideration by the Board.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• An undergraduate degree in architecture, engineering, planning, business, finance, or a related field.
• A current professional license or certification as an architect, engineer, or planner.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience including planning and design management, and implementation of multi-year capital programs.
• Demonstrated ability to manage the programming and design of large, complex facilities projects.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills; demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex initiatives and projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated experience in using physical design to successfully promote collaboration and collegiality and to advance a mission.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills; attention to detail coupled with the ability to think strategically and act decisively using a data-informed approach.
• Knowledge of facility operation problems, as well as engineering and architectural systems and applicable codes, standards, and regulations, preferably in a university or research and development environment.
• The ability to interact effectively with departmental staff as well as campus and enterprise wide stakeholders.
• Knowledge of and interest in implementing sustainability principles and practices.
• Excellent collaboration skills and ability to provide effective communication within and outside of the department.
• The ability to effectively build relationships with stakeholders and negotiate with the University’s best interest in mind.
• An entrepreneurial and creative approach to seeking out opportunities in order to advise senior leadership.
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion and a track record of creating a diverse, inclusive,and welcoming professional environment.
• The ability to successfully manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment is essential.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience working in the higher education environment, in the construction industry, or real estate development.
• Demonstrated significant success in leadership of real estate organizations, contract law, and business finance.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS